AccessNI registered bodies
Only registered bodies are authorised to send standard and enhanced checks to AccessNI. Some registered bodies are also umbrella bodies. They are allowed to manage AccessNI standard and enhanced checks for employers who aren’t registered bodies.
Becoming a registered body
When an organisation applies to become a registered body, AccessNI checks:
- they are likely to send more than 20 standard or enhanced check applications every year
- they are a legitimate organisation entitled to ask an exempted question under the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979
- they will follow AccessNI’s code of practice
AccessNI can impose penalties on a registered body that breaks the conditions of registration.
The application to become a registered body must be completed by a suitable person in the organisation. This person will be the lead signatory. They must be over 18 and must have never been removed from AccessNI register. They will also be checked for any criminal record.
The lead signatory can appoint counter signatories. Only approved signatories are authorised to manage the registered body’s disclosure process. They make applications for checks and receive disclosure certificates.
Apply to become a registered body
Apply by logging in to your nidirect account. If you don't have a nidirect account, you need to create one to apply.
Apply to become a counter signatory
You must be invited by an AccessNI registered body to become a counter signatory. Apply by logging into your nidirect account. If you don't have a nidirect account, you need to create one to apply.
Log in to access your registered body homepage
If you applied online to become a registered body, you can log in to your homepage. You will be able to:
- see and send applications you received
- manage your account
- track the progress of applications
- Log in to an AccessNI nidirect account
Training for registered bodies
AccessNI now offers training through a series of videos, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes. They are useful for both new and established signatories.
The videos and a transcript for each session are available via the following page:
Best practice for registered bodies
To make sure that registered bodies follow best practice, AccessNI has a code of practice and sample policy statements.
Code of practice for registered bodies
To protect information about applicants, registered bodies must follow AccessNI’s code of practice. The code makes sure information released in standard and enhanced checks is:
- used fairly
- handled and stored appropriately
- kept for only as long as is necessary but not more than six months
AccessNI audits registered bodies to make sure of satisfactory compliance with the code of practice. AccessNI can deregister a lead or counter signatory in a registered body that doesn’t keep to AccessNI’s code of practice on information security.
Registered bodies don't automatically receive a copy of the applicant’s certificate. Registered bodies will need applicants to provide their certificates when the certificate includes criminal history or other information.
If your organisation needs to ask an applicant to provide their certificate, read a sample request letter:
Information provided in this way should be treated in line with AccessNI’s code of practice.
Policy statement for registered bodies
To reassure people undergoing AccessNI checks, registered bodies must also sign and keep a policy statement which confirms they meet AccessNI’s code of practice.
AccessNI audits registered bodies to make sure they keep accurate, signed security and policy statements.
Employers who receive disclosure certificates must follow data protection rules.
Paying for disclosures
A registered body must pay for AccessNI checks on account. AccessNI issues a monthly invoice for a registered body’s completed checks during that period.
AccessNI can review the registration status of an organisation that doesn’t pay within 30 days. AccessNI can cancel an organisation’s registration for unpaid invoices.
When an employer changes AccessNI registration details
A registered body is responsible for keeping their account details accurate. To make changes they should log into their online account. This includes changes to:
- name
- address
- website
- contact number
Umbrella bodies
If an employer needs less than 20 checks in a year, they can use an umbrella body to make applications to AccessNI. Most umbrella bodies charge fees for their services.
An umbrella body is a registered body that manages standard and enhanced checks for non-registered organisations.